Explain Boston to Me

In a recent Boston Magazine article, journalist Rachel Slade asked the question, "Does Boston still drink?" She's here to explain her findings and to talk about local drinking culture. We get into the rise of NA options, the death of the neighborhood drive bar, and Gen Z's changing tastes.

Quinta Brunson talks MAC machines. 

The Tush Push lives!

RIP George Wendt

Help Massachusetts come up with a new state seal

Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (And How It Got That Way) By Rachel Slade

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We're joined by Harvard professor Lizabeth Cohen to talk about how the era of Urban Renewal — and the arrival of Ed Logue — impacted Boston. From bulldozed neighborhoods, to a new city hall, to housing in Roxbury and Charlestown, this particular moment left its mark on the city. Cohen's award-winning book, Saving America's Cities: Ed Logue and the Struggle to Renew Urban America in the Suburban Age, takes a more complex view of this oft-reviled movement.

RIP the POOP scorebug.

Philly taco.

Loving the new Boston Red Sox Fenway-inspired City Connect jerseys. (The Phillies' City Connects are a crime against baseball.)

Dog loses Dorchester mayoral election.

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In this week's episode, we're tackling one of the "Only in Boston" holidays. Marking a major moment in the Revolutionary War, this annual observance also happens to fall on St. Patrick's Day. Coincidence?!? Podcaster Brendan Hughes has the inside scoop on the history and politics of Evacuation Day. Check out his 10-episode series, Divine Intervention, where ever you listen to podcasts.

Villanova Pope

Michelin Guide comes to Philly AND Boston

Real Housewives of Rhode Island

Bill Burr roasts Philadelphia.

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This week we have a very special guest: Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. She also happens to be a local — at least for a few more months. We're getting her hot takes on driving in Boston, New England weather, and how the city both met and defied her expectations.

Arden's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, will be released on June 3, 2025. She is appearing at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Philly cheesesteaks in Tokyo.

"More beauty in the back" on Brattle Street.

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What are the worst things about Boston's aging transit system? What are the best? And, most importantly, what does the future of the MBTA look like and how will it shape the city? This week, we're chatting with Seth Kaplan of TransitMatters, an organization that uses data to improve local transportation systems.

Matt Stahm's new glove.

Jalen Hurts skips the White House.

Revere reenactment.

Bill "Bae" Belichick and Jordan Hudson keep making news.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was on Real World: Boston.

Everybody Hits, Woohoo!

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While I'm on vacation, please enjoy my most popular episode of all time! This conversation with writer Megan Johnson touches on the mustachioed man ("time to make the donuts"), the iconic color scheme, the kinds of people you find in a Dunkin', music festival brand activations, Coolattas, Ben Affleck, and so much more.

Here’s a link to Casey Affleck’s SNL sketch.  And here’s a pic of Ben buckling under the weight of the world while gathering his Dunkin’ order in 2020.

Check out Megan on Instagram.

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In this episode, we take a trip back to 2015, aka the snowiest winter in Boston history. Our guest was just a humble bartender when he was thrust into viral fame for an act of civic pride. Hint: It's no coincidence that we're releasing this installment during marathon week.

Bringing a buzz to Citizen's Bank Park.

Red Sox fan from Ipswich, Massachusetts, goes viral after catching foul ball with fried dough.

A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read on MAX.

Explain Boston to Me: Old North Church and Paul Revere with Nikki Stewart

The Boston Shoveler

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Did you grow up with scratch tickets? GBH's Ian Coss joins returns to the show to talk about the story behind his new podcast series, Scratch & Win. We bet (wink wink) that you'll love our conversation on the history of the state lottery, the evolution of gambling in America, and Massachusetts' love affair with scratch tickets.

See the cherry blossoms in Philadelphia.

Middle Child comes to PHL Airport.

Soups on at Fenway. 

The best Dim Sum in Boston, according to former EBtM guest Shirley Leung.

Viva Karaoke.

Ian's first appearance on the EBtM, talking about the Big Dig.

Mistledough ad.

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This week, we're talking about the Boston Public Library, a beloved institution that started in two rooms and grew into a palace of learning. My guests Katherine Mitchell and Anna Fahey-Flynn tell me about BPL's history, how the library is changing with the times, and offer tips on making the most of your next visit. Plus, "Here Comes the Pizza!"

Bok Bar reopens.

Nick Castellanos has a favorite super hero.

With origins at MIT, torpedo bats take MLB by storm.

"Here comes the pizza!" plus a deep dive from ESPN.

EBtM "Boston" versus Boston with Garrett Dash Nelson.

New York Public Library on ice in Day After Tomorrow.

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In this episode, we're joined by local influencer JQ Louise to learn about how the sausage is made — how local restaurants go viral, the most photographed places to town, and the contrast between the Boston of the internet and Boston IRL.

Follow JQ Louise at @TheJQList and @JQLouise on Instagram; and check out her website here.

Rodney Peete catches a fly ball in Tokyo.

The Wanamaker Building closes; the trailer for Mannequin, a camp classic.

Nashville's wings, the ultimate influencer catnip.

Explain Boston to Me: The curious case of the $600,000 liquor license with Shirley Leung.

Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.